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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A former personal care attendant in Richfield is accused of financially exploiting a client by using their credit card for unauthorized purchases totaling more than $2,400, according to charges filed Tuesday by the Minnesota Department of Health.

The worker was employed by the Crystal Care Home Health Services company out of Richfield and has since been terminated. The worker has been charged with transaction card fraud and financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

According to the charges, the worker would often help out the client by taking his credit card to go grocery shopping and buy medication. The worker admitted she shopped for him, but denied using the credit card for unauthorized purchases.

After calling the bank where the card was issued, it was determined that several unauthorized purchases were made by the worker. They included transactions at gas stations, drug stores, video game stores and department stores.

Documents show there were a total of 23 charges totaling $2,470.70. Officials said the case is still under investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health.